Prometheus

Also known as Saturn XVI, S/1980 S 27

moon of Saturn

AI overview

Prometheus is a small moon of Saturn that orbits within the planet's ring system. It is notable for its role in shaping and maintaining Saturn's rings through its gravitational interactions with ring particles.

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Wikidata facts

Mass: 160
Image: PIA12593 Prometheus2.jpg

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Commons category: Prometheus (moon)
time of discovery or invention: 1980-10-01
provisional designation: S/1980 S 27
albedo: 0.6
semi-major axis of an orbit: 139400

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Article

Prometheus /prəˈmiːθiːəs/ is an inner satellite of Saturn. It was discovered on 24 October 1980 from images taken by the Voyager 1 probe, and was provisionally designated S/1980 S 27. In late 1985 it was officially named after Prometheus, a Titan in Greek mythology. It is also designated Saturn XVI.

Prometheus is extremely elongated, measuring approximately 137 km × 81 km × 56 km (85 mi × 50 mi × 35 mi). The surface is heavily cratered, giving it a similar appearance to nearby Epimetheus and Janus. It has several ridges and valleys and a number of impact craters of about 20 km (12 mi) diameter are visible. From its very low density and relatively high albedo, it is likely that Prometheus is a very porous icy body.